Lead Dental Assistant

THIS ISN’T YOUR TYPICAL DENTAL JOB We’re a brand-new, doctor-owned general dental practice in Tampa Bay, and we’re building something different. Not a corporate assembly line. Not a “we’ve always done it this way” office. A practice where the team isn’t just following orders — they’re building the culture, the systems, and the patient experience from the ground up. As our Lead Dental Assistant, you’ll be the clinical backbone of this practice. You won’t just set up trays and suction — you’ll co-diagnose with the doctor, help patients understand their treatment, build trust that turns one-time visitors into lifelong patients, and train the next generation of team members as we grow. This is a ground-floor opportunity. You’ll have a voice in how we build every system, every protocol, every patient touchpoint. If that excites you, keep reading. OUR CORE VALUES Everyone Matters — Your voice matters here. We want you to tell us what’s working, what’s not, what you need, and where we can improve. This isn’t a top-down practice — it’s a team. Everything Matters — From how the phone is answered to how the office smells when patients walk in, to how we follow up on recare. Details create the experience, and we obsess over the details. Take Control — Like the Ritz-Carlton, every team member here has the authority to make decisions that improve the patient experience. You are a leader, not just an employee. WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY DO AS OUR LEAD ASSISTANT Chairside assistance for comprehensive general dentistry (restorative, prosthetics, surgical, cosmetic, perio) Co-diagnosis: Help patients see and understand their conditions using photos, X-rays, and intraoral cameras — you’re a second set of eyes, not just a second set of hands Treatment presentation support: Reinforce the doctor’s recommendations, answer patient questions with confidence, and help patients understand the “why” behind their care Sterilization and infection control to the highest standards — because “Everything Matters” isn’t just a slogan here Operatory management: Setup, breakdown, inventory, and ensuring every room is patient-ready at all times Train and mentor entry-level assistants as the team grows — you’ll be the one they look up to Help build and refine our clinical SOPs and systems from scratch Lab duties: impressions, temporaries, models, custom trays as needed Digital imaging: X-rays (PA, BW, pano), intraoral photography, scanner proficiency Patient relationship building: Remember names, follow up on conversations, make people feel genuinely cared for WHAT MAKES YOU THE RIGHT FIT Minimum 3 years of dental assisting experience in a general practice setting EFDA certification strongly preferred (or willingness to obtain within 6 months) Current radiology certification and CPR/BLS You don’t just know HOW to assist — you understand WHY the doctor is doing what they’re doing You can explain a crown prep to a nervous patient in plain language and make them feel confident about their care You take ownership of your operatory — if something’s missing, disorganized, or not up to standard, you fix it before anyone asks Strong working knowledge of dental terminology and treatment planning Comfortable with digital dentistry: scanners, digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, practice management software You’re a natural teacher who enjoys mentoring others You want to be part of building something, not just clocking in and out BONUS POINTS Bilingual (Spanish/English) — our community needs this and we value it Experience with Open Dental or eagerness to learn it Experience training or mentoring other assistants Familiarity with microscope-enhanced dentistry or interest in advanced clinical technology Previous experience in a startup or small practice environment WHAT WE OFFER YOU Competitive base pay ($23–$27/hr based on experience) PLUS performance bonuses tied to practice growth KPIs CE/training allowance — we’ll invest in your growth with courses, certifications, and hands-on training Attendance at dental courses and conferences together as a team Direct mentorship from the doctor — not a revolving door of associates, one owner who knows your name and your goals Real input into practice decisions — your ideas don’t just get heard, they get implemented Scrub allowance for professional appearance Flexible scheduling that respects your life outside of work A practice that will grow with you — not outgrow you